Amtrak Flexliner Accommodations, including photographs and detailed descriptions of seats, rooms, train cars and services.
Amtrak, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is proud to welcome the European-designed Flexliner passenger train to the United States. The modern, high-tech train is embarked on a two-year demonstration program throughout North America. The Flexliner has been in successful operation abroad for more than five years. Currently, nearly 200 Flexliner trains are in service in four countries.
The Flexliner sets a new standard for comfort and efficiency in rail travel. The passenger train features world-class on-board amenities, versatile operational technology, and state-of-the-art design. Its modern comfort and flexibility embody Amtrak's vision of 21st century American rail travel.
With its innovative design and advanced technology, the Flexliner provides a distinctive level of on-board comfort, ease and convenience for both business and leisure travellers. The spacious cars feature comfortable, adjustable seats, panoramic windows, cellular phones, outlets for laptop computers (one at each table) and electronic route maps and schedule status systems. The Flexliner also provides generous storage space and access for persons with disabilities.
As its name suggests, the Flexliner is versatile. The bi-directional train employs an automated "coupling" connecting system that allows individual trains to be joined and separated within minutes -- even while the trains are moving at low speeds. This technology enables multiple trains leaving a station as one unit to be quickly "uncoupled" to form two or more trains traveling to different destinations. Its modular design also enables the Flexliner to be adjusted according to passenger volume.
Unlike conventional trains, the Flexliner does not require a locomotive to power the train. The self-propelled train is built to run on existing conventional rails. In addition, the Flexliner employs advanced tilt technology for curved rail lines.
The Flexliner's computer technology allows diesel and electric equipment to run as a single train with either the electric or diesel motors providing traction power. The enables the same level of transport quality to be provided on intercity, regional and local lines, whether these lines are electrified or not. The touring Flexliner is diesel powered.
The Flexliner is equipped with a computerized diagnostic system that allows the driver and maintenance personnel to monitor train conditions. The train features a rubber front and a unique "fold-back" door design that allow easy passage between coupled trains, permitting unrestricted movement through the length of the modular Flexliner.
The train's flexible interior is designed to acommodate a minimum of 140 passengers. Each train can be adjusted for high capacity, short-distance commuter service and for spacious configurations for longer intercity journeys.
The Flexliner is manufactured by Adtranz, a 50/50 joint venture combining the worldwide transportation businesses of ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. and Daimler-Benz. The company is a complete global provider of transportation products, systems and services, especially passenger rail systems, automated guideway transit systems and automated train control systems.
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